MAF Holiday Security

It's one of the busiest times of the year for airports since many are traveling for the holidays. There's also a rising number of terrorist threats...meaning airport security is stepping up their game.

"It's definitely going to be crazy this week. Wednesday is traditionally the busiest travel day of the year, so the day before Thanksgiving is huge," Justine Ruff, Deputy Director of Airports, aid Monday.

Airport security is also huge, especially since threat levels are at an all-time high. As a result, the normal screening process just doesn't cut it anymore.

"We will have the enhanced pat down here. It'll be done randomly. In other areas, if you opt out of the full body scan, you have to have the pat down," Ruff said.

And even though it may not be fun...it's done to keep everyone safe.

"When you're sitting there on the airplane, you can look around and know everybody else on that place has been through the same thing you have. That gives you a little feeling of security," Ruff said.

She asks everyone to be patient this holiday season, and reminds people that they need to arrive at the airport at least one hour before their flight.

"When you're waiting in line, try and get ready before you're the next person to go through the checkpoint. Make sure that...if you have to take your computer out...it's easy to get to. Take your shoes off so that when you get through, it goes a lot quicker," Ruff said.

On a side note, the Midland International Airport does not currently have one of the full body scanners, but they should have one by next summer.